General Preparedness Information
This 35 page PDF can be printed and utilized as a “base-guide” for your family. Keep it ready in a binder to help assist you through a disaster.
Visit the FEMA and the California Office of Emergency Services website for valuable guidelines in how to prepare for a disaster. You can even download an instructional booklet to assist you in making the right preparations.
Find out what basic items you will need for the first 72 hours.
Once you have a plan in place, don't forget to practice and maintain that plan. A good plan is you helping your family. A great plan is neighbors helping neighbors
For your home don't forget to utilize equipment like camping gear to help get you through the disaster.
Information supported by the Department of Homeland Security will help protect your property, prepare you financially and allow you access to publications on financial issues you may face after a disaster.
Emergency contact cards are found here at this link. Don't forget to list current medications or special needs that may be required by the household member who is carrying this card. Use both sides and add as much additional information as possible including out-of-state contacts that may know more about this person’s needs.
Young children need more preparation than an adult. Don't forget to plan ahead and make sure that your child is well hydrated and has the necessities for at least 72 hours.
Some natural disasters can be predicted, giving schools the time they need to take safety precautions or can evacuate. However, there are many disaster situations that happen unexpectedly or go through rapid changes that suddenly put a school in danger.
From a small child through 18 years of age this 12 page pamphlet helps your family prepare for the psychological effects and how to cope directly with disaster and post-disaster challenges.
Learn how to use your generator correctly and safely. Remember to follow the manufactures recommendations for grounding the generator and always use in a well ventilated area outside.
This is a good place to begin. No business should risk operating without a disaster plan.
Having an emergency action plan is great but if you don’t practice escape procedures your preparedness plans can be of no value.
This proactive PDF produced by FEMA and the United States Fire Administration is loaded with information that will help you and your disabled employees. Learn about what to do and how to do it without feeling embarrassed in front of employees.
Many predictions have been made as to the severity of the earthquake and the costs to local, state, and federal government agencies. This seven-page pamphlet will help you understand the economic severity and how it will affect you and your business.
Can't I just get a quick list about food and water? Get a short list of items that you can pick up at the store today. Slowly build up your disaster supplies each time that you go shopping. Don't forget to circulate this food through normal meals and replace it with newer items dated on the container.
What does “shelter in place” mean? Whether you're at home, at school, work, or in your car, learn how to shelter in place. Prepare to always have enough food and water in an area that you are in. You may have to stay in that area for several hours until it is safe to leave.
The purpose of this page is to inform survivors of the eligibility for disaster assistance funding and services from FEMA as well as other State, community, and private organizations.
Need to prepare for a pet? If it is a cat, a bird or a snake the Red Cross has developed a disaster plan for your small pet. Remember your Red Cross disaster shelter cannot accept pets.
Where can I get quick access to information for someone who has a disability? If you have a family member, friend or just an acquaintance that has a disability or special needs this page will allow you to access information and additional web-links that can help.
How and when should I turn off my utilities? Learn how to turn off your gas and electricity from the local experts. What is a “Brownout” or “Rolling Blackout”? Be prepared, especially if you have sensitive medical equipment, electronics, machinery or maybe just an aquarium.
I’m new to this area. What should I know? Avoid unnecessary travel and stay tuned to local radio or television stations. Where can I get detailed, updated weather information just for my area? Get it on your own through the National Weather Service. Just click on the map provided or add your zip code.
Thunderstorms
What steps should I take to prepare for lightning? When a thunder storm approaches so does lightning! Protect yourself by learning what to do as the storm nears.
Hurricane Type Weather
Is it even possible to experience a hurricane here in Hayward? Here in the bay area you may have heard “Hurricane force winds” on the news. These winds are not from hurricanes or typhoons but from extratropical storms. Hurricane info is given to help you prepare for the rare extratropical storms that can hit and do hurricane type damage to a rather typical climate.
Flood - Flashflood
Should I even be concerned about flooding in Hayward? Nearly every city in the bay area has the potential to flood during heavy rain storms. Know your areas flood risk by talking to neighbors and learning the history in your area.
Mudslide
How hard does it have to rain to have a mud or landslide? Not much in some cases. The conditions have to be right but usually severe rain saturation must occur. How will I know if my hill will slide? The most common seen have been along the ridge above Mission Boulevard. What can I do to help prevent a slide? Distinguish between normal ground settling and an impending slide. Identify the warning signs. If unsure, get an opinion from a geotechnical engineer.
Heat Wave
What is a “Heat Wave”? Typically a heat wave is a prolonged period of heat and high humidity. For the Hayward area when it gets hotter the humidity decreases which can cause severe dehydration especially in the older population. Heat affects the human body in many different ways. Understand the warning signs that your body displays. What if the power goes off during a heat wave? Be aware of the safety of food. If possible get to a local cooling center for relief.
Drought
A drought doesn’t seem to be a disaster, is it? Although we have been through drought years before we still need to prepare if the rains don’t return in full. How will a drought affect me? Get your questions answered here from the Department of Water Resources. Imagine a severe drought coupled with another type of disaster. Don’t let the seriousness cripple you or your family. Have a plan in place.
What you can do to help prepare yourself and others for Terrorism. Understand that you need to stay calm and organized. What are some of the concerns about terrorism? Find out what some of the acts of terrorism’s typical targets may include.
Natural disasters can damage asbestos-containing materials and lead to asbestos exposure among first responders, cleanup crews and nearby residents. Learn how to prevent asbestos exposure when preparing for and cleaning up after a natural disaster.
